John Looper

John Looper joined the NorCal SCI Board of Directors in 2026, bringing with him decades of lived experience and a deep professional background in the technology sector. A T11 complete paraplegic, John’s journey with spinal cord injury began in September 1980 following a motocross accident. Over the last 45 years, he has navigated the evolution of accessibility and adaptive living, maintaining an active and high-achieving lifestyle throughout.

Professionally, John has enjoyed a successful career in Information Technology and Software Development. His technical expertise and problem-solving skills have been hallmarks of his work in the Bay Area, and he currently serves as an IT QA Lab Manager in the North Bay near his home in Petaluma.

Beyond his professional life, John is a devoted husband and proud father of two daughters. As he and his wife prepare to become empty-nesters, John sensed a strong calling to "pay it forward" and share the insights he has gained over four-and-a-half decades of being a wheelchair user. His transition into this new phase of life sparked a desire to advocate for the SCI community, ensuring others have the resources and support systems necessary to thrive and live a long, healthy and happy life.

An avid enthusiast of the outdoors, John remains committed to physical fitness through a dedicated resistance training routine. When he isn't working or spending time with his family, he can often be found in his workshop building, customizing and sometimes playing electric guitars, or he might be immersed in a good book.

“I am thrilled and honored to contribute my passion, perspective, experiences, and professional skills to NorCal SCI’s important mission!”, says John.